Apparatus and method for gathering data from sensors oriented at an oblique angle relative to a railway track
US10807623B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 24, 2019 |
| Grant date | Oct 20, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 24, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01D11/26
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system and method for inspecting a railway track using sensors oriented at an oblique angle relative to a rail vehicle on which the system is traveling. The orientation of the sensors allows for different data to be gathered regarding a particular rail including rail design specifications (gathered based on manufacturer markings detected and analyzed by the system), rail seat abrasion values based on direct measurement of rails from the oblique angle, and other analysis of rail features including joint bars, rail welds, bond wires, rail holes, and broken rails. The use of an air blower, ducts, and one or more air distribution lids over the sensors helps remove debris from blocking the sensors and structured light generators.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.